The hummingbird is well known for its tiny size and ability to hover in place while sipping nectar from flowers. But did you know that these tiny birds also use flower petals as makeshift bathtubs?
How do hummingbirds bathe?
Hummingbirds take frequent baths to keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. They have several interesting bathing habits:
- They bathe by fluttering in dewdrops, rain showers, water spray from lawn sprinklers, or even ocean surf.
- They dive in and out of water, shaking their bodies to dislodge water droplets.
- Hummingbirds sometimes bathe in mid-air by flying through a spray of water droplets.
But one of the most intriguing bathing behaviors is using flower petals as tiny bathing pools. Here’s how it works:
Using Petals as Bathtubs
Hummingbirds have been observed landing on flowers and rubbing their bodies against the surface of the petals. The friction from their feathers releases pollen and oils from the flowers into the petals. These oils gather to form a small pool that the hummingbird then bathes in!
Researchers hypothesize several reasons why hummingbirds take these special tiny baths:
- The oily pollen mixture helps clean their feathers and acts as a natural sunscreen.
- The oil might help control feather parasites.
- Bathing in the Flower oils could provide essential nutrients through their skin.
So in essence, hummingbirds are using flower petals as tiny, ready-made bathtubs!
What Flowers Do Hummingbirds Bathe In?
Hummingbirds have been observed bathing in the petals of many of their favorite nectar flowers:
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vines produce trumpet-shaped orange or red flowers filled with nectar. Hummingbirds love these flowers and have been seen rubbing against the wide, sturdy petals.
Cardinal Flower
These brilliant red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds with their high nectar content. The broad petals are perfect for bathing.
Beebalm
Also called wild bergamot, beebalm produces dense clusters of scarlet flowers rich in oils and pollen – ideal for hummingbird baths.
Columbine
The elegant, drooping petals of columbine contain sweet nectar. Hummingbirds immerse themselves in the flower’s plentiful oils while feeding.
Fuchsia
The large, showy flowers of fuchsia contain copious nectar and bloom continuously in hummingbird habitats. Petals provide excellent bathing pools.
Coral Honeysuckle
A popular hummingbird flower, coral honeysuckle has clusters of slender, tubular blooms. Hummingbirds soak in the oily residue while feeding.
| Flower | Color | Shape | Bathing Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trumpet Vine | Orange, Red | Tubular, Trumpet-shaped | Wide sturdy petals, good oil production |
| Cardinal Flower | Red | Tubular | Broad petals, very oily |
| Beebalm | Scarlet | Dense clusters | High in pollen and oils |
| Columbine | Various | Drooping petals | Plentiful nectar oils |
| Fuchsia | Pink/Red | Large and showy | Copious nectar |
| Coral Honeysuckle | Orange/Red | Slender tubular | Oily residue from nectar |
As the table shows, hummingbirds seem to prefer bathing in flowers with tubular or bell shapes, which help pool the oils. The most popular appear to be red trumpet-shaped flowers with ample nectar, like trumpet vine, cardinal flower, and certain honeysuckles.
When Do Hummingbirds Bathe in Flowers?
Hummingbirds can bathe in petals anytime they are feeding on nectar, but some key times include:
- Early morning when flowers are freshly laden with nectar and oils.
- After collecting spider webs and applying them to their nests. The sticky webs likely prompt more frequent bathing.
- During migration or on return to their breeding grounds when self-maintenance is especially important.
- During the breeding season to enhance plumage and courtship displays.
So while hummingbirds may bathe in petals opportunistically, key life events seem to prompt more frequent flower bathing.
Why Is This Clever Bathing Behavior Important?
When we think of hummingbird bathing, we often picture them briefly dipping in bird baths or waterfalls. But their creative use of flower petals as baths provides several key benefits:
- Critical feather maintenance – Keeping their feathers fluffed and clean is crucial for maintaining body heat and flight maneuverability.
- Access to nutrients – Flower oils may provide essential compounds hummingbirds absorb through their skin during bathing. This supplements their nectar diet.
- Parasite control – Soaking in the flower oils likely helps control feather mites and other parasites.
- Behavioral enrichment – Taking flower baths provides mental stimulation and enjoyment for these highly intelligent birds.
So their impromptu petal bathing isn’t just a random behavior – it serves many vital functions! Understanding how and why hummingbirds use flowers this way gives us new appreciation for their intelligence and adaptability.
Other Amazing Hummingbird Facts
While using flower petals as tiny baths may be one of the most intriguing hummingbird behaviors, here are a few more fascinating facts about these birds:
- Their wings beat up to 80 times per second and they can fly upside down and backwards.
- They are the only birds able to hover mid-air in place.
- Their heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute.
- They have no sense of smell but excellent eyesight able to see into the ultraviolet spectrum.
- Most hummingbirds weigh between 2-6 grams, lighter than a penny.
- They must consume over half their weight in nectar daily to survive.
- Males perform elaborate aerial displays during courtship.
- They build intricate nests out of plant down, spider webs, and lichen bound with saliva.
Hummingbirds never cease to astound with their diminutive size paired with their athletic abilities and intelligence. Understanding how they creatively use flower petals to bathe gives us one more peek into the lives of these captivating birds. Next time you see hummingbirds feeding at a flower, look closely to see if they are enjoying a mini bath as well!
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds are known to cleverly use flower petals as tiny ephemeral baths while feeding on nectar. Favorite flowers include tubular, red varieties with ample nectar like trumpet vines, bee balm, and cardinal flowers. Hummingbirds rub against plentiful pollen and oils, then bathe in the residue. This provides feather maintenance, nutrition, parasite control and behavioral enrichment. Appreciating this and other hummingbird traits allows us to gain insight into their world. So the next time you see hummingbirds enjoying your garden, look closely to discover if they are simultaneously taking a quick bath!
